Ford Taurus

Name: 2012 Ford Taurus
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Somehow the Ford Taurus manages to be a rather large sedan with a tight and cramped interior. Poor packaging efficiency, led by a center console resembling the Great Wall of China and not much rear-seat room results, in an interior that feels smaller than many midsized sedans. Small windows and thick pillars add to the claustrophobic feel, making it difficult for the driver to see out. All but base trims add to the frustration with MyFord Touch's confusing and distracting controls.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Ford Taurus

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Impala

Chrysler 300

Nissan Maxima

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

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2007

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2012

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Large cars Ratings

2012 Ford Taurus

$5,425 - $6,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Impala

$4,975 - $5,500

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chrysler 300

$5,625 - $12,550

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Charger

$6,025 - $12,425

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Azera

$5,600

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Equus

$5,050 - $5,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Maxima

$4,875 - $5,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Avalon

$8,125 - $8,925

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (263 hp)

6-speed automatic

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Model History

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The 2013 freshening brought variable cam timing to the 3.5-liter V6 for improved performance and better fuel economy. An optional 240-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is offered as well. On the safety front, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, Active Park Assist and backup sensors are all available. Still though, while we appreciate the quiet interior and comfortable ride, cramped interior accommodations and poor outward visibility continue to plague Ford's family sedan. The higher-performance SHO model has standard all-wheel drive, and its 365-hp, turbocharged V6 makes it quick, but it isn't an engaging car to drive.

2010-2012

2010 Redesign Year

The car's basic platform was reworked for 2010, but the attempt to make Taurus more stylish and upscale in feel and appearance doesn't quite translate. While interior quality and curb appeal are improved, practicality takes a nosedive, with a cramped interior and poor driver visibility. Some of this could be forgiven if the Taurus was rewarding to drive, but that's not the case either. It feels like a big car and comes up short on agility. While the cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth, this version of the Taurus is outdated and outclassed. As a result, the model's overall test score is below our threshold for recommendation.

2008-2009

2008 Redesign Year

After a hiatus during which it was known as the Five Hundred, the Taurus returned to the marketplace for model year 2008. A new engine makes this revised Taurus quicker and more responsive, but fuel economy took a hit. Still, all of the attributes that made the car beloved in the first place return, including its comfortable ride, ample interior room, easy access and huge trunk. Optional power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers maintain a comfortable and safe distance from the steering wheel's airbag. Crash test results are quite impressive.

2000-2007

2000 Redesign Year

The style freshening for 2000 added needed safety equipment, including side airbags. The ride is firm, and cornering is sound -- but not agile. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet with adequate storage. Control layout is improved over that of the previous version of the car and the rear seatback can be folded to increase cargo capacity. The Taurus wagon is one of the few inexpensive seven-passenger vehicles of its time. On the downside, the turning circle is wide and braking is unimpressive. This version of the car also lacks rear-seat head restraints.